Maximizing the Profit of a Business

Math 1010 Intermediate Algebra Group Project

In this project your group will solve the following problem:
A manufacturer produces the following two items: computer desks and bookcases. Each item requires
processing in each of two departments. Department A has 55 hours available and department B has 39
hours available each week for production. To manufacture a computer desk requires 4 hours in
department A and 3 hours in department B while a bookcase requires 3 hours in department A and 2
hours in department B. Profits on the items are $72 and $23 respectively. If all the units can be sold,
how many of each should be made to maximize profits?

Let X be the number of computer desks that are sold and Y be number of bookcases sold.

1. Write down a linear inequality for the hours used in Department A

X 55 Y 55
4x+3y 55

2. Write down a linear inequality for the hours used in Department B
X 39 Y 39
3x+2y 39


There are two other linear inequalities that must be met. These relate to the fact that the manufacturer
cannot produce negative numbers of items. These inequalities are as follows:
X 0 Y 0

3. Next, write down the profit function for the sale of X desks and Y bookcases:
P(X) = mx+b
P = 72x+23y

You now have four linear inequalities and a profit function. These together describe the manufacturing
situation. These together make up what is known mathematically as a linear programming problem.
Write all of the inequalities and the profit function together below. This is typically written one on top
of another, with the profit function last.

P = r c
4x+3y 55
3x+2y 39
X 0
Y 0
P = 72x+23y



4. To solve this problem, you will need to graph the intersection of all four inequalities on one
common XY plane. Do this on the grid below. Have the bottom left be the origin, with the horizontal
axis representing X and the vertical axis representing Y. *A: (7,9) is where they cross at




5. The above shape should have 4 corners. Find the coordinates of the ordered pairs that make up
these corners. For the intersection of the two slanted lines you will have to solve the 2 by 2
system made up of their equations.

(14,0) (0,19.5) (0,0) (7,9)


6. The next thing to do is to plug each of the points you found in part 5 into the profit function to
determine which ordered pair gives the maximum profit. Do this and write a sentence
describing how many of each type of furniture you should build and sell and what is the
maximum profit you will make.

P = 72x+23y
72(0) + 23(19.5) = $448.50
72(0) +23(0) = $0.00
72(14) + 23(0) = $1,008.00
72(7) + 23(9) = $711.00

The maximum profit will be achieved by producing desks which would be $1,008.00 at price.

7. Reflective Writing.
Did this project change the way you think about how math can be applied to the real world?
Write one paragraph stating what ideas changed and why. If this project did not change the
way you think, write how this project gave further evidence to support your existing opinion
about applying math. Be specific.


This graph would help improve sales and numbers by giving visual points. We would then be able to
better predict the future maximum profits.